OK, so I am getting a set of Lewmar D2 rope clutches. My line is 3/8". The sizes are for 5/16"-3/8" for the smaller one, and then 3/8"-7/16" for the bigger one. Which one is right? Usually I say overspec the gear when in doubt, but will the smaller one have better gripping ability of the 3/8" line? Will the larger one be easier on the line and/or have less resistance when opened?

OK, so I am getting a set of Lewmar D2 rope clutches. My line is 3/8". The sizes are for 5/16"-3/8" for the smaller one, and then 3/8"-7/16" for the bigger one. Which one is right? Usually I say overspec the gear when in doubt, but will the smaller one have better gripping ability of the 3/8" line? Will the larger one be easier on the line and/or have less resistance when opened?

Yes to both questions.
Smaller one better grip
Larger one a little more resistance when opened.

I had trouble with the larger size slipping on the 3/8 line so i down sized and all is good. original line when boat was build was larger. the crew says there is a bit more drag during hoist but I can't feel it. tried 10mm soft, fuzzy line in the smaller one and it is a bit draggy but does work. if you ever change to high tech line it will be smaller then the original. if it is for a halyard i would go small. if a running line like a tack line you may want the larger.

I had trouble with the larger size slipping on the 3/8 line so i down sized and all is good. original line when boat was build was larger. the crew says there is a bit more drag during hoist but I can't feel it. tried 10mm soft, fuzzy line in the smaller one and it is a bit draggy but does work. if you ever change to high tech line it will be smaller then the original. if it is for a halyard i would go small. if a running line like a tack line you may want the larger.

Good advice.
To overcome the problem with threading the lines, make a reeving eye at the end of your lines.

I think I'd be inclined to go with the smaller one too; I've read that being at/near the bottom of the size capacity can cause slippage. Given that I'm locking the clutch with the intention that the rope NOT slip, this is kind of important to me.

You may want to check out the Garhauer clutches. We installed a couple of the doubles (5/16"-9/16") and they only run $94 each and easy to use... my wife really likes them, they are that easy to open and close. Absolutely zero slip, and they are considerably more substantial in terms of build quality than the Antals my boat came with. One thing about some of the Lewmar clutches is the difficulty grabbing the lever to open them when loaded up.

If you look at the Spinlock clutches you will find that your rope size falls in the middle of the size range not on the upper or lower end of the range as with the Lewmars. Also, if you do change line sizes in future, you can convert spinlocks to the size you need just by replacing the cams. Alloy levers instead of plastic and more robust construction also put the Spinlock XTS ahead of the Lewmars IMHO.

Lewmars have been reviewed and suggested by everyone I know. Lots of reviews and comparisons say Lewmars dont jam as frequently, have a unique mechanism that will not chafe or deteriorate the line as quickly and are easier to open under high load. Saw some reviews where racers were ditching their Spinlocks and being much happier with the Lewmars. The D2 line is less expensive and has a higher holding capability. The downside of the Lewmars is because of the new mechanism it is a much more narrow range of rope size. I'm good with that. The boat has had 3/8" Sta-Set X for years. If I need an upgrade, 3/8" VPC will be what I use for the halyards.

Another issue is nominal versus actual line diameter. I've seen 3/16" that's a full quarter, and quarter that looks like a fat 3/16" Common issue with climbing ropes, too. You might want to put a mic on your lines to see where they are relative to their nominal size. A skinny 3/8" won't be held by the bigger clutch; a fat 3/16" may jam your furling drum.

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